Integrating Play Therapy and Mental Health Consultation

Abstract

Many parents and teachers are often confounded when it comes to figuring out a child's presenting issues. Mental health consultants are able to note the frequency, proximity, duration and intensity of and in which the behavior(s) occur (American Psychological Association, 2013; Henderson & Martin, 2014). These professionals are equipped with the tools, education, and experience and are able to gather information, observe, and assess the challenging behaviors or presenting issues in order to formulate and conceptualize a treatment plan for the child, their parent(s), and/or the school/center based setting. Additionally, mental health consultants may offer valuable feedback; increase of knowledge, skills and awareness; development of treatment plans; and implementation of the necessary interventions. This chapter seeks to provide professionals with the definitions, differences, structure, and implementation of a mental health consultation model.